Strttcttjeal ttisrit



D. H. BITNEY STRUCTURAL UNIT Oct. 23, 1928.

Filed Feb. 11, 1927 [NZ LNTOR flew? f7. Eff/7.7 BY

v A TTORNE Y8 rarest one DEWEY H. BITITEY, OF ALBION, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO UNION STEEL PRODUCTS COMPANY, OF ALBION, MICHIGAN.

STRUCTURAL UNIT.

Application filed February 11, 1927.

The main object of this invention is to provide an improved structural unit adapted as a beam bolster or support for the reinforcing bars in concrete structures.

A. further object is to provide a structural unit of the class described which is simple and economical in structure and at the same time very effective for the purpose, is adapted for use in a variety of relations, and can be conveniently handled on the job or in transportation.

Objects pertaining. to details and economies of my invention will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow. The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims. I

A structure embodying the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing forming a part of this application, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective v ew illustrating the manner of using my improved structural unit, parts of a form and reinforcing bars or elements being shown conventionally.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view, parts being shown in vertical section.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of one of my improved structural units.

Fig. l is a perspective view of a modified form or embodiment of my invention.

Referring to the drawing, 1 represents a portion of a form and 2 and 3 the concrete reinforcing bars or elements. My improved beam bolster or structural unit comprises a longitudinal supporting bar 4 having a plurality of upright legs 5 secured fixedly thereto, preferably by electric welding. These legs are preferably arranged in alinement as illustrated, that is, on the same side of the supporting bar, and are provided with laterally turned lower ends 6 constituting feet, the feet of alternate legs being disposed oppositely. These feet are preferably con nected by base bars 7, the base bars being welded to the upper sides of the feet adjacent their ends.

In the modification shown in Fig. 4 the base bars are omitted. g

The upper ends 8 of the legs project above the supporting bar 4. constituting a positioning means for the reinforcing bars 2. These upwardly projecting ends may, if desired, be lapped around the reinforcing bars although this is not an essential, and where it Serial No. 167,419.

is not intended to lap them around the reinforcing bars they may be shorter than illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

In use the structural elements are arranged upon the form and may be temporarily secured thereto by staples engaging the feet or the base bars if it is desired, although this is not really necessary. The reinforcing bars 2 are arranged upon the supporting bar 4 and, as stated, may be secured in fixed relation by means of the upwardly projecting ends where it is desired.

here more than one series of reinforcing bars are desired the bolster unit may be placed upon a set of reinforcing bars 3 as shown Fig. 2, the base bars 7 forming a very stable support for the unit, enabling its being securely positioned upon bars or other spaced members constituting support-s.

Structural units embodying my invention may be made in standard length and cut to meet particular requirements.

I have not attempted to illustrate various modifications or adaptations of my improvements as I believe this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to produce my invention in the form desired for special uses and also to use the same in various relations for which it is adapted.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Let-- ters Patent is:

1. A structural unit comprising a longitudinal supporting rod and a plurality of vertical legs welded to the said rod in spaced relation with their upper ends prOjecting above the rod, said legs having lateral projections at their lower ends providing feet, the feet of adjacent legs being oppositely disposed, and longitudinal base rods welded to the upper sides of said feet adjacent the outer ends thereof.

2. A structural unit comprising a longitudinal supporting rod and a plurality of vertical legs welded to the said rod in spaced relation with their upper ends projecting above the rod, said legs having projections at their lower ends disposed horizontally and transversely of said longitudinal supporting rod providing feet, the feet of adjacent legs being oppositely disposed.

A structural unit comprising a longit-udinal supporting rod, a plurality of up right legs fixedly secured to said rod in spaced relation and having laterally turned lower ends providing feet, a portion of the feet being disposed to project in opposite rela tion, the upper ends of the legs projecting above the rod providing reinforcing bar positioning means, and longitudinal base rods fixedly secured to said feet adjacent the outer ends thereof.

4. A structural unit comprising a longitudinal supporting rod, and a plurality of vertical legs formed of Wire and Welded to said rod in spaced relation, said legs having projections at their lower ends disposed horizontally and transversely of said longitudinal supporting rod providing feet Which are disposed With part thereof projecting at one side of said longitudinal rod and the re mainder proj ecting oppositely at the other side of said longitudinal rod. 7

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

DEWEY H. BITNEY. 

